I used to think that 2020 was a bad year overall because of the pressures, the multiple lockdowns, fear, and all. But, even though it was hard for everyone, at least we survived. And we learned so many things from this “experience”. For instance, I realized that this pandemic had some positive aspects on our environment: people traveled less by planes (or cars), pollution decreased in countries like China and there was even less plastic produced that year.
Pandemic’s positive impact
The European Association of Plastics Producers has announced that plastic production worldwide has declined in 2020, by 0.3% due to the pandemic and by 5,1% on the European level. This has only happened three times since the beginning of the industrial era.
Moreover, the consumption of virgin plastic, that is to say new and non-recycled plastic, decreased by 7.5% in France, which is much more than the European average (-4.7%).
A paradoxical decline?
On the one hand, we’re saying that this pandemic had a positive impact because less plastic was produced. But, on the other hand, masks and bottles of hydroalcoholic gel have invaded our daily life. So, this decline in plastic production may seem surprising, not to say paradoxical.
But when we think about it, this decline is pretty easy to understand. Indeed, this decrease can be explained by the shutdown of sectors such as the automobile one whose consumption of plastic in Europe has fallen by 18.1% and by 28% in France, according to the association.
2021, the year of resolutions to keep doing beterre
Many steps are taken to limit plastic pollution and follow the trend of 2020. For example, since January 1st, 2021, we can no longer buy single-use plastic straws in France, which is a very good thing. These changes are taking place to achieve the goal of “ zero plastic packaging” by 2024. You’ll tell me 2024 is a long way. That’s true! But, change takes time.
However, hearing this news makes us believe that there’s still hope. So, it encourages us to keep doing beterre. Moreover, during this pandemic, a lot of people started doing efforts, changed their habits, and adopted a green lifestyle. We hope those people will pursue their efforts. And, we hope they’ll join our beterre adventure to reduce and replace plastic one step at a time.
So, please spread awareness and share our project with all your loved ones because together we’ll be stronger. And, our small steps will have a bigger impact on our Planet.
